ESPL Foundation Receives Two Grant Awards

The Eastern Shore Public Library Foundation recently received two grant awards to support the construction of the new library in Parksley, Virginia. The Eastern Shore Community Foundation has granted $50,000 to the library capital campaign. The United Way of Virginia’s Eastern Shore has committed $2,412 in designated funds and pledges. These funds help bring the library past the half-way point in raising the $5 million needed to renovate the prior Fresh Pride building and build an addition. The conceptual building plans were presented to the Accomack Board of Supervisors at its May 18th meeting and copies are available on the library’s website at www.espl.org. The support received from the Eastern Shore Community Foundation and the United Way demonstrate their commitment to support the learning and literacy needs of the residents of Virginia’s Eastern Shore.

Library Announces $500,000 Grant

The Commonwealth of Virginia will help fund the construction of a new library that supports the Eastern Shore of Virginias literacy and cultural needs. Budget amendments introduced by Delegate Robert S. Bloxom, Jr. and Senator Lynwood W. Lewis, Jr. were approved for the new Virginia budget.

Property for New Library Purchased in Parksley

By Carol Vaughn

A capital project to build a new public library in Accomack County is moving forward after the Eastern Shore Public Library purchased the former Fresh Pride grocery store property in Parksley March 24.

Shore Librarian Miles Barnes Retires After Knowledge for Decades

Cara Burton Hired as New Library Director

Cara Burton

The Board of Trustees of the Eastern Shore Public Library has appointed Cara Jane Burton as the library’s new director. Burton, a native of Nassawadox whose family has deep roots on the Eastern Shore, was educated at the College of William and Mary and at Syracuse University where she received a master’s degree in library and information science. For thirteen years she served as director of the Solvay Public Library in upstate New York. Most recently, she was executive director of the Danville Museum of Fine Arts & History in Danville, Virginia. “Cara Burton has extensive experience in library administration, fund raising, and fostering partnerships,” said Colette Nelson, chair of the Eastern Shore Public Library Board of Trustees. “We are excited by her appointment as director and by the prospect of a new library in Parksley. We feel as if a new era in the library’s history is beginning.” Burton will assume the directorship on January 19, 2016.

Library Replacement/Renovation Considered by Supervisors Once Again

Accomack Library Plans Back to Committee

Bonds Discussed for Accomack's Long Term Building Projects

Main Branch Anchors Library

By Barbara Coady

The Eastern Shore Public Library is a regional library system providing services for the entire Shore, from the Maryland line to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. The system includes four libraries, with a main library in Accomac, a branch in Nassawadox, and two affiliate libraries, the Cape Charles Memorial Library and Island Library in Chincoteague. None of these libraries would be able to deliver the services currently provided without the administrative services and financial support of the Main Library.

Family Continues Library Tradition July 2012

“The Eastern Shore Public Library is part of our family heritage,” says John W. Edmonds IV, who continues that tradition today by serving as President of the Eastern Shore Public Library Foundation. “My grandmother believed very strongly that a library was central to the quality of life of a community, and she dedicated herself to making a library a reality for the Eastern Shore.”

And with plans for a new library under way, the Edmonds family again is in a position of leadership. John Edmonds IV is heading up the Foundation, and last year the major gift to the library was made by him, his mother, Mrs. John Edmonds, III, and his aunt, Mrs. Franklin Edmonds.

“I think if my grandmother could see what a modern library does today, she would be very surprised.

Community Meetings Held for Residents’ Input May 2012

Dozens of Eastern Shore of Virginia residents brainstormed at four locations in Accomack and Northampton counties about what they would like to see included in the new Main Library.

The most popular idea was to design the building around an Eastern Shore theme – highlighting the region’s history and culture. Expanding the Eastern Shore Room was also important to participants. Other elements receiving support included an environmentally friendly design, flexible space for meetings, classes and other activities, dedicated space for computer users, a separate area for teens and a café.